Date:   11/12/2006

Text:   1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Title:   Fatal Attraction

Theme: Since God has purchased our bodies, we are to keep it holy.

Introduction:

  On 11/2, churches around the country and the world were once again rocked by the sex scandal of a well-known pastor in Colorado . It was an event that brought painful memories and great shame to many Christians. It was a great opportunity for the critics to mock the Christian church and its leaders. The secular media focused on the hypocrisy of the event. Certainly this is about hypocrisy, yet what is equally important at stake is the sexual immorality involved.

  As we read the news report on this and other immoral conducts, it would appear as if we are reading illustrations and commentaries on Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. In that first century, Corinth was known for its sexual immorality. In the NT, the term sexual immorality includes sexual activities outside marriage, including homosexual behaviors At Corinth, there was the rampant practice of temple prostitution. The name Corinth , even to this day, is associated with sexual immorality. Many of the Corinthian believers used to indulge in such activities. Having come to Christ, they put such aside, cut off such behavior. However, the pull, the temptation to revert to those sexual sins was strong. Some of them may have actually gone back to that life-style.

Our world is very much like that 1 st century Corinth . We, too, are surrounded by sexual immorality. It is hard to watch TV programs full of explicit or subtle sexual gestures. It's like a tidal wave hitting us on all sides. We are concerned about our children growing up in such a culture. We may even worry about our own marriages, wondering how long we can stay together. At times we feel so helpless in a society so saturated with sex. In such moments, it is wise for us to turn to God's word.

In the passage we read, Paul addressed the issue of sexual immorality among the believers, and specifically he dealt with the problem of prostitution.

  Besides instructing the Corinthian believers that such behaviors are against God's standard, a violation of the 7 th commandment, Paul went to great lengths to explain why this is wrong. There is a lesson we all need to learn, especially those of us parents and church leaders. Instead of just telling out children and fellow believers that such behaviors are unacceptable to God, we also need to take time to explain the reasons behind. From this passage we'll learn the truth that Since God has purchased our bodies with a price, we are to let people see God in us, we are to keep our bodies holy.

I •  Since God has purchased our bodies, we are to know that sexual sins bring great harm.

There is a well known slogan among the Corinthian Christians: “I can do all things.” This is probably about Christian freedom in Christ. The logic is this: When we sin, there is always grace and forgiveness. We can always come back to Christ because of his love. Therefore there is total freedom. However, Paul says, “Yes, we can do all things, but not all things are helpful.” They are not beneficial, on the contrary they are harmful. Yes, you have the freedom to commit sexual sins, but it is harmful to yourself and others.

Sexual immorality can harm and destroy our marriages and families. Whenever there is an affair, it will break the trust between husbands and wives. Once the trust is broken, it will take many years to rebuild, and the relationship may never be the same again. It can harm and destroy our health and finances. Just look at the rampant spread of AIDS around the world. In some countries, an entire village is being infected with HIV. Yes, it harms the persons who engage in such sexual activities, but also brings AIDs to the innocent spouses and children. If you are a leader, a pastor of the church, sexual immorality will destroy your ministry. It will harm and sometimes destroy people's trust of all pastors. And sadly, it can also cause many to leave the church and weaken their faith in God. The list can go on and on. Sexual immorality causes great harm. The Proverbs have plenty to say on this:

Proverbs 9:17-18, “ 17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” 6:26,29, 32,33, “ 26 for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,… 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. 32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. 33 Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.” Sexual immorality has some very severe harmful consequences.

The scripture consistently teaches us that we are not to harm each other. We are to build up one another, to encourage one another and to love one another. It is wrong to inflict harm and hurts on those close to us.

II •  Since God has purchased our bodies, we are to know that sexual sins are addictive.

Paul returns to their slogan, “I can do all things…” It is true, we can do all things, but we are not to be enslaved, not to be controlled by them. Paul is saying, sexual sins, sexual immorality is controlling and addictive. The first time when we commit sexual sins, there may have been a struggle, but from then on, it was down hill. And before long, we found ourselves trapped in it and cannot get out. When we start to go into those porno sites, we become controlled by them. Just keep going back and spending more and more money on it. Sexual immorality is like that Fatal Attraction. Once you're hooked, its hard to get out of it. It has that power to control and eventually destroy us.

Again, the Bible consistently teaches us not to be controlled by any form of sins. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, “ 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” This is self control. Proverbs tell us what it is like without self control: 25:28, “ 28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” When there is no self control, anyone, anything can come into your life to take advantage and control you. You see , as followers of Christ, our lives are to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control .

  Don't be controlled by sexual sins, instead, be controlled by the Holy Spirit.   

III •  Since God has purchased our bodies, we are to know that our bodies belong to Him.

Verses 13-14, “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.” The Corinthian believers argued that food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for the food. Therefore sex is for the body, and the body for sex. Since there is no restraint on eating, therefore there should not be any restraint on sexual activities, including the sexual sins. However, Paul instructed them saying, no; food and the stomach(or our appetite) are temporal. But the body is different. It is created by God and therefore, it belong to him. Besides, it is not temporal, it is eternal. There will come a day when we will be changed or resurrected, this body will be transformed into a glorious and heavenly body. Therefore, this body is very important. Let's follow this logic closely.

Paul further explains to us in 15-17, “ 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.”

This body not only belongs to God, but to Christ's body. You and I are a part of Christ's body. Then Paul quoted Genesis 2:24, “ 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The scripture tells us that sexual intercourse between husband and wife leads to a mysterious spiritual union, oneness. Sex is not just a physical act, it leads to oneness and union. This is a mystery that no one can fully explain. When there is sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, we left a part of ourselves in the other person that somehow binds us together. For this reason, sex is meant to occur within the boundaries of marriage.

It is like going to a lamp post in the freezing winter. Try to place your lips on the metal post and what will happen? Your lip will get stuck to the post. Now, pull your lips away. What will happen? A part of your lip skin will remain on the post and it is painful, right? This is what happens when there is sexual intimacy between two persons. When this sexual intercourse is outside the marriage, it will harm and damage the relationship. When it is within marriage, it will enhance the relationship.

  Now, the scripture teaches us that when we come to faith in Christ, we are united with him, we are one in him. When we commit sexual sins, sexual immorality, we become one with the other person. this does not make sense, right? How can I be one with Christ, and be one with the other person in a sexual immoral situation? Whenever we commit sexual sins, we are putting Christ in a very awkward situation.

IV •  Since God has purchased our bodies, we are to run away from sexual immorality.

We have seen how sexual sins can harm and control. We have seen how sexual sins can affect our relationship with Christ. Now what? What do we do when we face sexual temptation? Do we try to stand up against it and face its challenge, to see that I can stand tall without falling? No, sexual sins are not challenges you are to overcome. Instead we are to see sexual sins as a trap. What do you do when you stand before a trap? Do you deliberately walk into it to show how strong you are? No, we avoid the trap; we run away from it. This is what the scripture tells us to do when we face sexual temptations: Flee. Vs.18, “ 18 Flee from sexual immorality.” The scripture is full of instructions on fleeing. Eph 5:3, “ 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” 1 Tim 6:11, “ 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.” 2 Tim 2:22, “ 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace….”

When we see the word flee, we remember the story of Joseph in the OT. Joseph was a very faithful servant in Pharaoh's officer's house. The master's wife had been trying to tempt and seduce Joseph but was repeatedly rejected by him. One day, the wife tried to grab Joseph's hand to make him sleep with her. What did Joseph do? He ran away. When faced with sexual temptations, flee, run away. Don't go near that section of the bookstore that displays adult magazines. Don't go near the website with those sexual and seductive contents. Put a block on your web browser. Don't even entertain the thought: just this one time.

Paul further provides us with some familiar and additional motivation for running away from sexual immorality. 18-20, “ 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Our body belongs to Christ. He had purchased us with the blood of his son, Jesus Christ. We belong to him. A child that grows up in a healthy family, with the healthy sense of security and sense of belonging will be much less prone to go astray. When individuals feel safe and loved in a relationship, they will not fall for another person, bringing shame to the present relationship. Because we belong to Christ; therefore don't do anything that will bring shame and disgrace to the master.

The Holy Spirit dwells within us. what does that mean? When the spirit dwell in me, it makes my body God's sanctuary. Can you imagine committing a sexual sin in this sanctuary? NO, it is unimaginable. The same is true. Can you imagine committing sexual sins with your body, God's sanctuary?

Then finally, the reason we are to run away from sexual immorality is that since my body is God's dwelling place, I am to use my body to glorify God. What is the first thing that happens when sexual immorality is exposed? God's name is being ridiculed. Because my body is God's dwelling place; it is God's sanctuary; I am to keep it holy; I am to let others see God in me; that they will say good things about Him.

Conclusion:

When a prominent church leader falls into sexual immorality, it triggers different responses. To some, it brings back many painful memories from a different time and place. To others there is the response of anger, disillusionment and a sense of being let down and betrayed. It may also enforce some individual's conviction that we can trust no one, including the pastors.

I too, have my mixed emotions on hearing the news. But I am always reminded whenever I point 1 finger at you, I have 3 fingers pointing at myself. The Bible consistently teaches us that we each need to be responsible for our own behaviors before God. It is easy to see others' sins. But will it even happen to me? How can I safely guard myself that this will not happen to me?

In today's passage, the scripture reminds us that sexual sins harm and control. We belong to Christ and are members of his body, meaning we are a part of him. Not only this, the Holy Spirit also dwells within us. With dwelling within us, our body is his sanctuary, how can we commit those sexual sins? Its unimaginable. You see, because he dwells within us, our behavior, especially in the area of sexual morality, is to reflect his presence, his holiness.

Having said that, I also recognize that there may be some among us who have committed sexual sins, perhaps out of ignorance or deliberate rebellion. I want you to know that our God opens his arms to you. Yes, it hurts him, especially if you are a child of his. Yet at the same time, he is waiting for you to return to him, telling him how sorry you are. And you know what? 1 John 1:9, “ 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”